A pooch with a pedigree can be much more expensive than a Heinz-57 mixed-breed. One way to get that cocker spaniel you’ve been dreaming of—but can’t afford to buy—is to adopt a pet from a breed rescue group. Rescue groups match adult purebreds with loving families.
Sometimes well-meaning families find they don’t have enough time for their purebred dogs. Many of these dogs are resold through newspaper ads, but others end up in shelters.
Rescue groups, which often focus on one breed, work to find shelters or foster parents to keep these pets until someone adopts them. You probably won’t get a puppy fresh from the stork, but you likely will find a loving, mature dog in the breed of your choice. And you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you helped a dog in need.
Advantages of breed rescue groups
Although it varies between groups, many rescue organizations arrange for the pet to visit a veterinarian. Some even pay for the dog’s vaccinations and spaying or neutering procedure. They also will give you basic information about the dog’s health and temperament.
Want an even sweeter deal? Some breed rescue groups also evaluate the pet’s behavior and retrain the dog to give her a better chance in her next home. So you might be getting a pet who is housebroken and knows basic obedience.
